“Thomas and James used to work for the DEA before they started their own security firm.”
“What’s your mom’s name? Maybe we know her,” Thomas asked.
I squirmed a little in my chair, not used to sharing personal information with strangers, but this was Austin’s family. “Charlie Erickson Dixon.”
James choked on his wine, and Thomas’s mouth gaped open. “Charlie is your mother?”
My eyes widened. “You know her?”
“Know her?” Thomas laughed. “We know both of your parents. Mark is a great guy, and Charlie is a strong woman. They’re some of the best people I know.”
My mouth opened and closed as the words lodged in the back of my throat. “I can’t believe you know my parents.”
Thomas smiled, easing back in his chair. “We’ve spoken to your father and mother a few times over the years, working different cases. They’re a fountain of information when we’re in need.”
“There you are,” Austin said as he walked into the dining room, taking the chair next to me. He studied me for a moment, his forehead furrowing. “You okay?”
“They know my parents.” I tipped my head toward his uncles.
Austin jerked his head back as his eyes grew wider. “No shit. Small world.”
“It’s fate,” Izzy added, smirking. “The world has a way of forcing people together.”
I laughed nervously, twisting the stem of the wineglass between my fingers. “I guess we were always meant to be friends, then,” I reminded her, along with everyone else around the table.
“Friends,” Austin mumbled, agreeing with me. “My grandma and grandpa are dying to meet you. You up for it?”
“I would love to meet them.” I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as he held out his hand and helped me up from my seat.
“Friends,” Izzy whispered, laughing.
I followed Austin through the crowded house, not only bursting with people but also with chatter and love. There wasn’t an empty chair in the place, and the floor was even covered with younger people sitting around talking.
“My sweet boy,” an older woman said, holding out her arms as soon as we stepped near. “Let me see this beauty.”
Austin positioned me in front of him, pushing me closer to the older woman. “Don’t think she’s blind. She’s smart as a whip and hears everything,” he said in my ear as she clasped my hands.
“Well, aren’t you a sweet thing,” she said softly, running her thumb across the top of my hand. “Thank you for your service, along with my grandson.”
I smiled awkwardly, always unsure of what to say when someone would compliment me in that way. “You’re welcome,” I squeaked out, somehow still maintaining my weird smile.
“She’s the best cook ever, Mak. You wait and see.”
“You’re staying for dinner Sunday, Austin?” she asked him, giving him the warmest smile.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good, baby. I made all your favorites.”
“You’re the best, Grandma.”
I stood there, watching their exchange, knowing he wasn’t related to anyone in this house besides his brother through blood. But it didn’t matter to these people. He was a member of the family and treated as such.
His entire demeanor changed from the moment we stepped out of the car. There were layers to him, and I wanted to peel them back, exposing the real man underneath.
I’d misjudged him. Maybe he wasn’t all bullshit and cocky flattery. Either way, I wanted to know who the real Austin Moore was and why I was drawn to him.
* * *
